Q. I’m doing my medical internship and I stay in the hospital overnight some days a week… Since I’m not married and I room alone, and I have an Internet security hook up with my residence, so I can turn on and off lights with a phone call. Can I make a brocho if I set my Menorah before and I turn it on by remote control?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is not to recite a blessing via a remote controlled kindling, even if the menorah would fulfill all requirements (see prior question.) The reason being is that when one is not actually present there, it constitutes a deficient act of “Hadlaka” or lighting.

Although there are opinions that the blind light the menorah and recite a brocho even though they cannot see and enjoy the light (See Mogen Avrohom 675: 4, Maharshal 66.) The reason, as explained by the Aruch Hashulchan (O.H. 263: 9) and others is that the main mitzvah of Chanuka lighting is not enjoying and benefiting from the candles. This, as opposed to Shabbos candles, is actually prohibited in Chanuka candles. The main Mitzva and object of the Chanuka candles, is Pirsumei Nisah or the publicizing of the miracle, which could be achieved even by the kindling of the blind. Lighting via remote control, although Halachicaly it would be attributed to the one pushing the buttons, lacks Pirsumei Nisah.

Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a would recommend that you light a proper menorah in your car. Eat and stay there, to safely maintain the flames for at least a half an hour. (As explained in question 418 in this forum).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a